Armed Robots are now being marketed to police departments and SWAT teams for use within the United States. None of the ‘bots are deployed yet, but it seems like it will only be a matter of time.

Armed robots, named SWORDS, have already begun patrolling the streets of Iraq. However, the ‘bots have yet to be seen on patrol in the United States.

If Foster-Miller, the ‘bots manufacturer, and police forces across the country have their way, this will soon change.

According to Wired.com:

The Talon SWAT/MP [PDF] is a “robot specifically equipped for scenarios
frequently encountered by police SWAT [special weapon and tactics] units and MPs [military police],” a company fact sheet announces. It “can be configured with the following equipment:

• Multi-shot TASER electronic control device with laser-dot aiming.
• Loudspeaker and audio receiver for negotiations.
• Night vision and thermal cameras.
• Choice of weapons for lethal or less-than-lethal responses
- 40 mm grenade launcher - 2 rounds
- 12-gage shotgun - 5 rounds
- FN303 less-lethal launcher - 15 rounds.

The Talon SWAT/MP, like it’s brother SWORDS, is a modified version of a bomb-disposal robot that has seen action in Iraq for the past seven years.

The Massachusetts Sate Police Department has already begun R&D the robot’s shotgun mount, but the ‘bots themselves have yet to be deployed.

According to Foster-Miller spokesperson Cynthia Black, Massachusetts State Department are not the only ones to have their hands on these robots. SWAT teams in Houston, San Francisco, and Lubbock, TX all have the potentially lethal ‘bots. They have yet to be armed, but the organizations are ready and willing to do so once they get the approval.

Armed Robots are coming to a street near you.

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C&D Distributors in Lexington, South Carolina, received about $20.5 million since 2000 from the Pentagon for fraudulent shipping costs, including $998,798 for sending two 19-cent washers to an Army base in Texas.

The total amount of money the Pentagon spent on items with the company reached $68,000 over the six years; a stark contrast to the $20.5 million spent on shipping!

Pentagon spending is getting out of control! I would of hand delivered those babies for half the cost!

The company was also paid $455,009 to ship three machine screws that cost $1.31 each to marines in Habbaniyah, Iraq.

$293,451 was spent to send an 89-cent washer to Patrick Air Force Base in Cape Canaveral, Florida, records show.

The companies owners exploited an automated Defense Department purchasing system; they noticed that when bills were marked ‘priority’ for shipments to military bases or war zones they were usually paid automatically.

The conniving scheme was detected when a purchasing agent noticed a bill charging $969,000 to ship two 19-cent washers. The order was canceled and am investigation ensued.

C&D Distributors is now barred from any government contracts.

One of the owners, Charlene Corley, pleaded guilty one her behalf and the behalf of the company to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to launder money. She has been fined $750,000 and faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years for each charge.

The Pentagon hopes to regain most of their loses by auctioning off houses, jewelery, cars, and property owned by the business owners.